Call: Or write your two senators and one House rep (look up).Check: Go here and here to see if your MoC is a Veterans’ Affairs Committee member.Script: I’m calling from [ZIP] because I’m disturbed that the Veterans Administration is not yet paying expanded benefits under the Forever GI bill that went effective in August. Veterans count on those housing and education payments and are struggling. I’d like [name] to make a public statement insisting we honor our commitments to veterans. [Committee: I’d also like [name] to make sure the Veterans’ Affairs Committee resolves this situation quickly.] Thank you.Bonus: Donate to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s Rapid Response Referral Program, which gives assistance to veterans in crisis because of the delayed GI bill payments.

Call: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).Script for House reps: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling to support removing barriers to future success for people convicted of minor crimes. The bipartisan Clean Slate Act (H.R. 6677) would automatically seal the official records for non-violent federal drug misdemeanors. Can I count on [name] to co-sponsor and support it?Script for senators: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling to support removing barriers to future success for people convicted of minor crimes. The Clean Slate Act that’s been introduced in the House would automatically seal the official records for non-violent federal drug misdemeanors. Can I count on [name] to introduce a Senate version?

I value secure, convenient voting and fair elections.

Democracy thrives when all citizens can freely elect those who represent their values.

▢ Action 1: Express your support for fair voting.

Call: Or write your one House rep (look up).Script: Hi. I’m calling from [ZIP] and am excited to hear that the House plans to bolster voting rights next year. We need a bipartisan effort that ensures every American can vote and that no one is left out. I trust this will be [name’s] priority in 2019 as well, correct? Thank you.

I value showing hospitality to all people, no matter where they were born.

People who immigrate are fellow human beings whom we treat with respect and decency. We oppose inhumane treatment and vilification of people who immigrate and the government bodies that perpetuate it.

Call: Your one House rep and two senators (look up).Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP]. I’m calling because the budget for ICE detention and enforcement has jumped by nearly a billion dollars in two years. DHS should not be allowed to funnel money from its other departments and circumvent congressional approval to cover ICE’s budget overruns. When the current budget resolution expires on December 7, I would like [name] to support a clean, short-term continuing resolution without extra enforcement funds so the next Congress may debate the appropriate budget and oversight for DHS.

Thank the American Bar Association’s ABA Journal for boosting awareness of human rights and immigration law by adding RAICES on their list of best legal Twitter accounts. [Let the ABA know why immigration law is important to you.]Address: 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654

Spread the word

Know someone who could use some good news and clear actions? Please share!

Post a tweet: If you’re concerned about how the current administration is treating people at our border, open this week’s @AoCChecklist and use our scripts to speak up for decency. #UseYourVoice https://americansofconscience.com/12-2-2018/

Post on Facebook: If you’re concerned about how the current administration is treating families and children at our border, open this week’s Americans of Conscience Checklist and use our scripts to speak up for basic decency. #UseYourVoice https://americansofconscience.com/12-2-2018/

About The Author

Jennifer is a writer of blogs and a teacher of social media for small business. As a Gen Xer, she's old enough to remember the Reagan 80s, but young enough to be comfortable using social media. In college, her first vote went to Bill Clinton. She wore a pantsuit when I voted for Hillary, and is proud to live in the great state Oregon, and of her Yankee heritage as a Connecticut native.